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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina aiming to parlay career night into sustained success

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK,NY - MARCH 17 : Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 17, 2018 in New York,New York NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK,NY - MARCH 17 : Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 17, 2018 in New York,New York NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is coming off of the highest-scoring game of his NBA career. He’s looking to parlay success into consistency.

Over the course of his rookie season with the New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina has developed into one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft. His defense has earned rave reviews, but some have begun to question if he’ll ever be more than a defensive specialist.

In the face of adversity, Ntilikina stepped up with his best scoring performance to date against the budding rival Charlotte Hornets.

Ntilikina torched Charlotte to the tune of 15 points in just 21 minutes of action—equal to 25.7 points per 36 minutes. He shot 5-of-8 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the three-point line in one of his most encouraging performances to date.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Ntilikina is aiming to parlay his career night into sustained success.

"“It means something to me, of course,” Ntilikina said of his milestone in a season during which he’s averaging 5.3 points on 35 percent shooting. “It shows improvement. Now I feel more comfortable than the beginning of the season. It gives me motivation to get more.”"

It’s a simple statement, but the fact that Ntilikina feels more comfortable on offense is a sign that he should continue to improve.

The biggest issue that Ntilikina has encountered on offense has been his hesitance and borderline reluctance to shoot. He can get to his spots on a consistent basis, but his poor shooting percentages are a product of his flawed mentality once an opportunity to presents itself.

Rather than getting to his spots and going up into his shot, Ntilikina often takes an unnecessary dribble or a damaging moment to overthink.

Thus, instead of shooting in rhythm, Ntilikina loses the momentum behind his shot and often forces it long because he loses a measure of the lift beneath his jumper.

Against Charlotte, Ntilikina was far more instinctive in the way he approached scoring and creating for his teammates. When an opening presented itself, he capitalized on the chance to make a play that would enhance the Knicks’ chances of victory.

It was a compelling display by a player who has the physical tools to score at virtual will when he sets his mind to it.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on Mar. 18

The question is: Which version of Frank Ntilikina will be the one whom the New York Knicks see more often moving forward?

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